Uganda Women’s Effort to Save Orphans (UWESO) is set to mark 40 years of existence, highlighting decades of support to vulnerable children, youth, and women across the country.
The organisation was founded in 1986 by the first lady, Janet Museveni, who also serves as minister of education and sports. It aimed to improve the lives of orphans, street children, and disadvantaged women through education, rehabilitation, and skills development.
Speaking ahead of the anniversary, UWESO’s executive director, Jolly Kaguhangire, said the foundation has supported more than 105,000 children over the years.
She said many beneficiaries have gone on to become doctors, lawyers, businesspeople, and members of parliament, attributing their success to access to education and empowerment programmes provided by the organisation.
Kaguhangire said UWESO continues to focus on human capital development and rehabilitation, especially for children living on the streets.
The chairperson of UWESO, Olive Burunji Lumonya, said the organisation remains committed to supporting vulnerable women, widows, children living with HIV, and street children, despite growing challenges.
She noted that the increasing number of street children is placing pressure on the organisation’s resources.
Lumonya said UWESO’s rehabilitation centre in Masulita currently hosts 174 children who have been rescued from the streets.
She said the children are given education and practical skills before being reintegrated into their communities to become productive members of society.
Lumonya also clarified that although the first lady founded UWESO, the organisation is not managed by the state.
She said it is run by dedicated staff and partners operating in different parts of the country.
The deputy speaker of parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, who represented the first lady at the UWESO annual general assembly held at the Office of the Prime Minister in Kampala, praised her for founding the organisation.
Tayebwa described UWESO as a major contribution to the country, particularly in supporting vulnerable mothers and children.
He urged managers and stakeholders not to leave the responsibility of sustaining the organisation to its founder.
He said the organisation now belongs to the wider Ugandan community and requires collective effort to continue its work.
During the event, Tayebwa also launched the UWESO alumni association and called on former beneficiaries to play an active role in sustaining the foundation.
